What's happening in Cheshire?

What's on July

 

Theatre and dance

 

1^st – 5^th Horrible Histories: Using actors and 3D effects, historical figures and events will come alive before your eyes. The Lowry, Salford 0870 787 5780 www.thelowry.com

 

Until 5^th Evita: Opera House, Manchester 0844 847 2328 or www.palaceandoperahouse.org.uk

 

5^th Pinocchio: Illyria Open Air Theatre. Performances outside at the old hall Tatton Park. 01625 374 400

 

6^th Summertime Special: Local talent as well as a few celebrities perform in aid of St Lukes Hospice. Lyceum Theatre, Crewe 01270 537 333 or http://www.lyceumtheatre.net

 

10^th – 12^th Giselle: Birmingham Royal Ballet perform this popular masterpiece. The Lowry, Salford 0870 787 5780 www.thelowry.com

 

 

15^th – 19^th Fame: A production by ATT Productions at Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent 0870 060 6649 or www.theambassadors.com/regent

 

Until 19^th Chester Mystery Plays: In the Cathedral grounds. 01244 304 618

 

19^th – 20^th Jazamatap: Arlette Muldoon returns to showcase her students’ talent. Stockport Plaza 0161 477 7779 or www.stockportplaza.co.uk

 

23^rd Afrika! Afrika!: Solo artists, dance numbers and acrobatics will make this a show to remember. Manchester Trafford Centre 0844 847 2473 or www.afrika-afrika.com

 

 

30^th – 31^st LazyTown Live!: An action packed live show based on the popular children’s television programme. Regent Theatre Stoke on Trent 0870 060 6649 or www.theambassadors.com/regent

 

30^th – August 2^nd Chinese Acrobatic Swan Lake: A combination of astonishing acrobatics and classical ballet makes this a show not to be missed. The Lowry, Salford.  0870 787 5780 or www.thelowry.com

 

31^st The Masters of the House: Songs from the musicals are brought together with theatrical anecdotes. Stockport Plaza 0161 477 7779 or www.stockportplaza.co.uk

 

 

Music

 

1^st – 10^th Mapas Summer Showcase: The Salford Music and Performing Arts Service present a series of concerts displaying the work they do in schools across Salford. The Lowry, Salford 0870 787 5780 www.thelowry.com

 

1^st – 31^st Summer Pops Liverpool 2008: Mick Hucknall, Meat Loaf, Counting Crows, Deacon Blue, Def Leppard/Whitesnake plus special guests Thunder, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Crowded House, Diana Ross, Michael Ball, Michael Bublé, Blonde and The Stranglers. Liverpool Echo Arena 0844 847 1616 or www.accliverpool.com

 

3^rd Mick Hucknall; Tribute to Bobby: Simply Red’s front man is going solo for this summer tour. As a tribute to one of his biggest inspirations, Bobby Blue Bland, Hucknall performs some of his soul, blues and R&B tracks. Manchester Apollo, 08444 777 677

 

3^rd Royal Northern College of Music Symphony Orchestra: A celebration of Messiaen’s music with a pre-concert talk at 6:30pm. The Bridgewater Hall Manchester 0161 907 9000 or www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

 

 4^th Chetham’s Symphony Orchestra and Chorus: Conducted by Hallé’s Music Director Mark Elder. The Bridgewater Hall Manchester 0161 907 9000 or www.bridewater-hall.co.uk

 

 4^th – 6^th Relentless Wakestock Abersoch: Europe’s largest wakeboard music festival, combining the cultures of music and the world's fastest growing watersport. Artists performing include Happy Mondays, The Hoosiers, Calvin Harris, Duffy, The Streets and Mark Ronson. Cardigan Bay, Abersoch 01758 710 000 or www.wakestock.co.uk

 

8^th – 13^th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod: A festival of music, song and dance. Competitors from more than 50 countries come together to perform. Elaine Paige and All Angels also add some sparkle to the week. Eisteddfod Field and Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen. 01978 862 001 or www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

 

23^rd The Big Chris Barber Band: Gawsworth Hall 01260 223 456 or www.gawsworthhall.com/open-air-theatre.html

 

 26^th Last Night of the Hallé Proms: A celebration to mark the end of the summer music season. Don’t forget your flags! The Bridgewater Hall Manchester 0161 907 9000 or www.bridewater-hall.co.uk

 

Exhibitions fairs and talks

 

3^rd Ruth Waterman: International violinist Ruth Waterman reads from her book about Bosnian people; When Swan Lake Comes to Sarajevo. She will also be playing the violin. Waterside Arts Centre, Sale 0161 912 5616 or www.watersideartscentre.co.uk

 

4^th – 6^th The 14^th Cheshire Summer Fine Art and Antiques Fair: Tatton park 01277 214 677 or http://www.baileyfairs.co.uk

 

5^th Birds Need Trees: Members of the public supply illustrations, animations, short films, photos and graphics to cover Urbis’ foyer. The Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester 0161 605 8200 or www.birdsneedtrees.live.com

 

5^th – 6^th Stars and Stripes classic American car show: Music, line-dancing, refreshments, and one or two Corvettes, Mustangs and Cadillacs too. Tatton Park 01565 723 863 or visit http://www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk

 

 6^th Slice of Life Disability Film Festival: Whether you are a disabled filmmaker looking to screen your work, or a group which has media projects to show, then head down to Walton Gardens from 10am – 5pm. 01606 889 097 or www.disabilityawarenessday.co.uk

 

6^th – August 2^nd Spencer John Derry Solo Art Show 2008: Bluecoat Books, Chester. 01244 318 752 or www.bluecoatbooks.co.uk

 

13^th Portrait of a Nation: We Make Manchester: A special day at the Urbis for under eighteens. Lots of free activities, and the results will be shown as part of the Portrait of a Nation: We Make Manchester exhibition. The Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester 0161 605 8200 or www.urbis.org.uk

 

15^th – 26th Everyword: The annual writing festival returns with seminars, workshops and discussions for the aspiring writer. Liverpool Everyman theatre 0151 709 4776 or www.everymanplayhouse.com

 

16^th An evening with Ray Mears: Gawsworth Hall 01260 223 456 www.gawsworthhall.com/open-air-theatre.html

 

 From 28^th MOSI 25^th Anniversary Exhibition: The Museum of Science and Industry celebrates 25 years since it opened on its current site this year. This exhibition illustrates how MOSI has reflected Manchester’s developments over the last quarter of a century. 0161 832 2244 or www.mosi.org.uk

 

28^th – 30^th Bat Walk: Find out more about Dunham’s bat population. Dunham Massey, Altrincham 01539 441 951

 

31^st Special Childrens’ Tour: Explore Bramhall Hall and learn about times past at Bramhall Hall, Stockport 1:45pm-3:45pm 0161 485 3708 or www.bramallhall.org.uk

 

 

Countryside

 

June 28^th – July 13^th Wrenbury Scarecrow Trail 2008: More than 100 creative scarecrow designs line the trail around the village of Wrenbury. Visit on July 5^th and spot a bargain at the car boot sale or go on July 6^th and there’s a Summer Fayre to enjoy. www.scarecrowtrail.co.uk

 

4^th – 6^th From Woodland to Worship: A St John’s Church Flower Festival where arrangements will be created by the highly experienced members of the Elworth Flower Club (members of NAFAS) 01270 768 826 or www.sandbachanglicans.ukf.net/flowers

 

 5^th Summer Night’s Picnic; Jazz the Night Away: Bring along your picnic and some bubbly and relax on the lawns with music from a live band. Erddig, Wrexham 01558 668 612

 

Until 5^th People’s Trust for Endangered Species – Cheshire Badger Watch: The sett for this watch is home to four badgers and two cubs. Booking is essential. 020 7498 4533 

 

6^th Disability Awareness Day: Walton Hall and Gardens 01925 263 797 or http://disabilityawarenessday.org.uk

 

11^th – 12^th Chester Races: Chester racecourse 01244 304 610

 

12^th – 13^th Wildlife Weekend: Wildlife groups will be there with their displays showing us how to attract wildlife into our gardens. Also a chance to meet local author and newt expert Jim Grundy. Fryer’s Garden Centre 01565 755 455 or www.fryers.co.uk

 

13^th Raft Race: The annual event on the river Dee. 01244 659 883 or email brian.price@mail.com

 

17^th Much Ado About Nothing: Pack a picnic and make a day of it. The play is performed in the walled garden at Arley Hall 01565 777 353 or www.arleyhall.mintmedia.co.uk

 

18^th – 20^th Flower Festival: Warmingham Church sees country flowers in a country church to celebrate the restoration of St Leonard’s Church. Friday and Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 1pm – 6pm. St Leonard’s Church, Warmingham 01270 526 234

 

19^th – 20^th Rare breeds weekend at the farm: Meet all the rare breed animals including Blossom the Clydesdale and Tallulah the Tamworth at Tatton Park. Normal opening times and entry charges apply www.tattonpark.org.uk

 

21^st, 22^nd, 28^th and 29^th Guided Rose Walks: Join staff for a guided tour of the famous rose garden. You may even spot our very own Cheshire Life rose! Fryer’s Garden Centre 01565 755 455 or www.fryers.co.uk

 

Until 23^rd Beginners golf lessons: A beginners course for the over 55s at Ellesmere Port golf club 01244 677 777 or email getactive.west@ageconcerncheshire.org.uk

 

23^rd – 27^th RHS Flower Show: Celebrating its tenth show at Tatton, the RHS offers up all things gardening. http://www.rhs.org.uk/WhatsOn/events

 

30^th Nantwich Show: A real country day of show jumping, heavy horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, falconry and gun dog displays. 01270 610 983 www.nantwichshow.co.uk

 

31^st Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: Chirk Castle, Wrexham 01691 777 701

 

Until end of August Forest Fever: Walks, arts and crafts sessions, wildlife safaris and more are taking place across North Cheshire and Merseyside. This summer’s programme has a cultural theme to tie in with Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture year as well as Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 01925 816 217 or www.merseyforest.org.uk

 

 

European Capital of Culture

 

Throughout July Arabic Arts Festival: At various venues around the city

 

5^th Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race: at the Waterfront.

 

18^th John Lennon Songbook with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra: Featuring specially orchestrated arrangements of Lennon’s musical output as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist

 

18^th – 21^st Start of the Tall Ships’ races: At Liverpool Docks.

 

 

Top Ten

 

5^th – 6^th The Kids Fun Ideas Show: Live entertainment and activities for children aged two to 12 at Manchester Central 01706 824 468 or www.kidsfunideasshow.com

 

6^th Summer gourmet evening: The Victoria, Altrincham 0161 613 1855 or the.victoria@yahoo.co.uk

 

9^th – 27^th Buxton Festival Fringe 2008: Arts and entertainment running alongside Buxton festival at Buxton Opera House. 0845 127 2190 or www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

 

10^th Tropical Realm and Giraffe Evening: An exclusive zoo tour followed by a buffet served at Oakfield Manor. Chester Zoo 01244 650 209 or email events@chesterzoo.org

 

13^th One Earth Festival: A free summer event held in Grosvenor Park, Chester to help raise awareness of local and global environmental issues. 01948 820 728 or email info@cheshirewt.cix.co.uk

 

16^th – November 2^nd Roof Tours: Discover the hidden secrets of Speke Hall on a tour of the roof space. Speke Hall, Liverpool 0151 427 7231

 

18^th Oscars Party Night: Dance the night away after a two course dinner at Oscars Restaurant Rossett Hall Hotel, Chester Road, Rossett 01244 571 000

 

23^rd – August 27^th Art Zone; Picture This: Learn about Lowry’s work and create your very own Lowry inspired art. The Lowry, Salford 0870 787 5780 www.thelowry.com

 

30^th Nantwich International Cheese Show: Dorfold Hall Park, Nantwich www.nantwichshow.co.uk 

 

31st Wooden Spoon Charity Golf Day: Teams of four are invited to play on the golf course, and a three-course meal follows. Prestbury Golf Club. For a booking form contact Kay Stevenson on 01625 669 669 or email kay.stevenson@hartsllp.com

 

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